# Validato AG background screening service developments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/validato-ag-background-screening-service-developments > Updated: 2026-09-07T08:00:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Validato AG, a German background check and human risk management provider, has expanded its service offerings and technical capabilities. The company first detailed its methodology for academic title verification, emphasizing direct communication with primary sources like universities rather than relying on commercial databases. Managing Partner Reto Marti stated, “A database hit proves little – so does a missing entry,” highlighting the company’s use of human analysts to distinguish between forgeries and legitimate degrees missing from databases. Subsequently, the company introduced the ability to integrate background screening directly into Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This integration allows HR teams to initiate checks from applicant profiles and receive results as structured assessments. To maintain compliance with GDPR and German data protection laws, the system utilizes AES-256 encryption and EU-based hosting. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: Validato AG integrates background screening into ATS workflows Validato AG integrates background screening into Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline recruiting workflows and ensure GDPR-compliant, encrypted data processing. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/validato-ag-integrates-background-screening-into-ats-workflows ### 2026-08-21: Validato AG details academic title verification process Validato AG utilizes primary source verification and human analysis to authenticate academic credentials, aiming to protect companies from the risks of fraudulent or exaggerated professional titles. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/validato-ag-details-academic-title-verification-process --- Cite as: Validato AG background screening service developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/validato-ag-background-screening-service-developments